Raising Awareness of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Nov 7, 2016 Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. The Center for Wound Care at Sonora Regional Medical Center prepared by participating in the Healogics National Diabetes Campaign, October 24 through 28, dedicating the entire week to educating physicians in the community on the treatment of diabetic patients with potential or existing chronic wounds.

There are approximately 29.1 million people living with diabetes in the United States and nearly 28 percent are undiagnosed. Of those 29.1 million, about 25 percent will eventually develop a foot ulcer. Left untreated, these ulcers can impair quality of life and may lead to amputation.

Early detection and intervention can help mitigate the possibility of limb loss. The Center for Wound Care recommends the following to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:

Perform daily self-inspections of the feet or have a family member perform the inspection

Choose proper, supportive footwear (shoes and socks)

Take steps to improve circulation with healthy eating and regular exercise

Proper wound care is imperative to healing diabetic foot ulcers. The Center for Wound Care offers a number of leading-edge treatments including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, total contact casting, and negative pressure wound therapy. These specialized wound care therapies can aid in would closure, new tissue growth, wound tissue regeneration and much more.

Contact the Center for Would Care to learn about diabetic foot ulcers or if you have a wound that will not heal. To schedule an appointment, please call (209) 536-5196 or visit www.SonoraMedicalCenter.org/woundcare.